Political Activism on Social Media in Conflict and War

In today’s global conflicts, the impact of social media and information and communication technologies (ICT) is undeniable. These platforms have been instrumental in events such as the uprising in Tunisia, the protracted war in Syria, the advocacy of Palestinian activists, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the confrontation between Colombian guerrillas (FARC-EP) and the Colombian army. This chapter provides a comprehensive insight into the contemporary use of ICT, especially social media, in these conflicts. We look at the strategies and methods used by different groups, highlighting their adaptation of these digital tools under conditions of the threat of online surveillance, potential legal repercussions and fluctuating levels of connectivity. We emphasise the need for an in-depth perspective on the use of ICTs in conflict in order to truly understand these nuanced appropriation practices.